Leeds United have stumbled in the last month or so and that didn’t stop even after the international break as they suffered a defeat against Backburn Rovers. Next, they take on Ipswich Town, and they need to bounce back by ensuring all three points in this game.
Top players like Gaetano Berardi, Pablo Hernandez and Kemar Roofe were back from injuries but it’s never easy to hit the ground running straight away, and that was seen against the Rovers. Bielsa also admitted that he made some mistakes regarding the starting position of individual players and the fans would hope that he could get things right from the beginning.
On paper, this should be a lopsided affair as the Whites would be at home against a side who sit on the bottom of the table with just one win to their name. But, as we all know football games aren’t won on paper and Bielsa’s men need to bring their ‘A game’ from the start.
Team News
Barry Douglas should be close to recovery but is likely to miss out this midweek clash. Luke Ayling is back from his suspension. Izzy Brown and Patrick Bamford continue to be long-term absentees.
Leeds United’s Predicted Lineup Vs Ipswich Town
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell will continue to start in goal. He would be shielded by the defensive pair of Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper. Cooper has shown the inconsistent side of his game, and he needs to pick things up if the Whites want to ensure a clean-sheet.
Fullback position created a lot of dilemma and debates in the last game, but Ayling’s comeback would solve a lot of that issue. He should slot in his usual right-back spot with Berardi could start from the left. Stuart Dallas is likely to miss out as he put in a poor performance at Ewood Park.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips will be in his usual defensive midfield role. He should have much more of the ball against Ipswich. Mateusz Klich continues to be the standout player in midfield for the Whites, and he once again would start in central midfield. In a slightly more free roaming role, Samuel Saiz would start. The Spaniard has been below par of late and needs to pick his game up.
Hernandez wasn’t ready to play the full 90 minutes last time around, but we expect him to be prepared for this clash. He should start on the right flank. Down the left, Macedonian Ezgjan Alioski should start.
Attack
Tyler Roberts led the line last game even though Roofe was back as he was covering the right wing position. We expect Roofe to lead the line for this game at Elland Road.
